With the AFL’s Gather Round approaching in Adelaide, discussions are underway to secure the event’s long-term future in South Australia. Premier Peter Malinauskas met with AFL CEO Andrew Dillon to advocate for Adelaide as the permanent venue. However, Dillon was cautious, emphasising that substantial improvements in infrastructure, particularly at the Barossa Park facility, are essential for the event’s sustainability.
Currently, preparations are in full swing for this week’s Gather Round, with the Norwood Food and Wine Festival set to kick off festivities. This festival was a hit last year and is expected to be even more successful this time, featuring the popular Australian rock band Birds of Tokyo. On Sunday, the atmosphere will be electric as fans attending the GWS vs. St Kilda match head from the oval to a vibrant street party, which is anticipated to provide a significant economic boost to local businesses in Norwood.
As excitement builds, six out of the nine Gather Round matches have already sold out, even following a recent ticket release, showcasing strong demand for this flagship AFL event. The contract for Gather Round is due to expire next year, placing added pressure on negotiations to maintain its presence in Adelaide. The outcome of these discussions will shape the future of the event in the region, but for now, the focus remains on celebrating the culture and community that Gather Round brings.